Ignition Interlock License
If the your license, permit, or privilege to drive is suspended, revoked, or denied you may be eligible to immediately apply for an Ignition Interlock Driver's License (IIL). On January 2011 there were some significant changes to the IID/IIL law. The information below is current.
An IIL is a license that most are eligible for but does not include everyone automatically. The ILL has specific requirements and eligibility criteri, and if met and you are otherwise eligible the license will be issued without any questions.
- You’ve been arrested or convicted of any of the following:
- DUI or Physical Control Involving Drugs or Alcohol;
- Vehicular Assault Involving Drugs or Alcohol;
- Vehicular Homicide Involving Drugs or Alcohol;
- You’ve had a valid Washington driver license or are on active military duty in Washington.
- You have a Washington State residence address.
Your current suspension or revocation doesn’t include any of the following:Minor in PossessionReckless DrivingHabitual Traffic Offender (Suspended 1st degree).
If You Qualify, You The MUST:
- Pay a $100.00 application fee;
- Provide proof at the time of application that you have purchased SR22 insurance (high risk insurance); and
- Provide proof that you have installed an Ignition Interlock device. If you are not otherwise ineligible the license will be mailed, Emailed, or Faxed to you.
The IIL does not restrict your movements like an Occupational Restricted License does and this is a different license and it allows you to travel wherever, whenever you wish in the state. There is a question, however, of whether other states actually recognize your IIL.
Work Vehicles
Any vehicle you drive during work hours must also be equipped with an ignition interlock device if your employer:
- Owns, leases, or rents it;
- Is temporarily responsible for it’s care or maintenance.
HOWEVER, This requirement may be waived if you:
- Have your employer sign an Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock License;
- Send DOL a copy of the signed declaration before you drive vehicles for work.
Make sure you carry a copy of the declaration with you whenever you drive a work vehicle that isn’t equipped with an interlock device.
Commercial Vehicles
You are prohibited from driving a commercial motor vehicle while you have an IIL.
IIL & Convictions
An IIL may be needed if you are under a suspension from the DoL for an arrest without court action. However, you are under suspension/revocation due to a conviction in court of a DUI:
The court now may waive the requirement to get an Ignition Interlock License but you will be ordered to undergo alcohol monitoring for the same period of time the interlock device would have been required.
You must maintain an ignition interlock device for a minimum of:
- 1 year for the 1st offense conviction; IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN ORDERED TO HAVE AN IID THEN
- 5 years for a 2nd offense; and
- 10 years for 3rd and subsequent offenses.
If the IID/IIL on your vehicle prior to the actual convcition (Due to DoL Administrative Suspension) You’ll get credit toward your ignition interlock requirement for every day you have one installed while driving with your IIL.
Early Release?
The requirement to have an ignition interlock device can be removed early, but it will not be considered to be removed until the DoL receives notice from the interlock company that you haven’t done any of the following in the previous 4 months:
- Tried to start the vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .04 or more;
- Failed to take or pass any required retest;
- Failed to get scheduled maintenance, repairs, calibration, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device;
- If DoL has suspended/revoked your license:
You may apply for an IIL at any time, including after being arrested or after your revocation hearing.
If you apply for an IIL after an arrest, BUT BEFORE a HEARING IS REQUESTED or HELD, You waive the right to a hearing on your license suspension or revocation.
DO NOT TRY AND NAVIGATE THIS PROCEDURE WITHOUT SEEKING THE ADVICE OF AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY WHO IS WELL VERSED IN WASHINGTON DUI LAW.
